The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) has launched the MedTech Hackathon 2026, themed “Hack Health: Innovate to Heal,” bringing together a diverse mix of startups, innovators, clinicians, and industry leaders to address critical healthcare challenges through technology-driven solutions. The four-day hackathon, running from April 4 to April 7, has attracted more than 300 participants, including over 150 startups and teams from across India. The strong turnout highlights the growing momentum of the country’s medtech innovation ecosystem and reflects increasing collaboration between healthcare and technology sectors.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director and Founder CEO of AMTZ, emphasized the importance of transforming ideas into practical solutions. He noted that the hackathon provides a unique platform for innovators to learn, collaborate, and build solutions that can make a tangible impact in healthcare. He encouraged participants to focus on developing functional prototypes, whether in the form of applications, diagnostic tools, or advanced medical devices, and to establish a clear pathway toward real-world implementation. He also highlighted AMTZ’s role in supporting innovators through incubation, co-incubation, and strategic partnerships, offering access to infrastructure, technical expertise, and guidance required to translate research into impactful products.
Over the course of the event, participants will engage in intensive prototyping, problem-solving sessions, and collaborative challenges aimed at converting concepts into scalable healthcare solutions. Teams comprising students, startups, and professionals will present their innovations to a panel of experienced evaluators drawn from multiple disciplines.
Dr Suseela Branham K, CEO of the BioValley Incubation Council, highlighted the comprehensive support available to innovators. She explained that BioValley enables startups to develop prototypes, undertake pre-clinical testing, and scale their solutions for real-world deployment. She added that initiatives such as the hackathon play a critical role in accelerating innovation and improving patient care outcomes.
Dilip Kumar Chekuri, CEO of the MediValley Incubation Council, underscored the importance of end-to-end support for medical electronics startups. He stated that MediValley provides facilities for prototyping, pre-compliance testing, design, production setup, and calibration, allowing innovators to rapidly validate and scale their ideas. He added that access to advanced labs and expert mentorship positions participants to contribute to India’s emergence as a global medtech hub.
The hackathon features a distinguished jury comprising experts from fields such as dentistry, cardiology, robotics, industrial design, medical software, assistive technology, and investment. This multidisciplinary evaluation ensures that solutions are assessed from both clinical and technological perspectives.
Participants will work within AMTZ’s advanced technical centers throughout the event, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship while refining their innovations. The platform also offers opportunities to connect with potential investors, industry partners, and healthcare leaders. With the MedTech Hackathon 2026, AMTZ continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and advancing India’s position as a global center for medical technology development and manufacturing.
The Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) is India’s first dedicated medical technology park, located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Established to reduce the country’s dependence on imports of medical devices, AMTZ provides world-class infrastructure, research facilities, and manufacturing units to promote indigenous production of healthcare equipment. Spread over 270 acres, it houses specialized laboratories, testing centers, prototyping facilities, and incubation hubs to support startups and established companies alike. By offering shared resources and cutting-edge technology at affordable costs, AMTZ fosters innovation, accelerates product development, and strengthens India’s healthcare ecosystem, aligning with the vision of making the nation self-reliant in medical technology.
